McCabe, 16, handed Wales Wheelchair debut in World Cup opener

Published2 hours ago

Fionn McCabe will become Wales Wheelchair's third-youngest debutant in their opening Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup game against England.

The North Wales Crusader, who turned 16 on 18 October, is one of two new faces in the Welsh starting line-up, as well as York RLFC's John Berriman.

Head coach Alan Caron has opted to blend youth with experience, with the two debutants lining up alongside captain Jodie Boyd-Ward, vice-captain Stuart Williams and former skipper Mark Williams - who combine for almost 100 Wales caps.

Wales' opening game against the defending champions takes place in Wollongong, Australia, on Friday, 30 October.

Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup

30 October - 13 November

Wollongong, Australia

News and reports on the BBC Sport website

"England are world champions, so we know they'll be tough, but we have five games and three weeks, and we know that we're trying to plan not just for this game, but the second, third, fourth and fifth," said Caron.

"The England team has changed since the last World Cup, as has ours. But the youngsters that are coming through have been selected because they've got really good qualities, not just for now, but for the future of the game in Wales."

Wales also face Ireland on Tuesday, 3 November and USA three days later in Group A, with Australia, France, New Zealand and Scotland making up Group B.

Wales: Sid Ramsey, Fionn McCabe, Jodie Boyd-Ward (c), Jonathan Gill, Stuart Williams, Matthew Turner, Mark Williams, John Berriman

Reserves: Lee Sargent, Andrew Higgins

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